Postal strike may affect U.K. cargo

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32524, 6 February 1971, Page 16

Postal strike may affect U.K. cargo

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 5. Arrangements are being sought to prevent delays in discharging British cargo at Wellington because of the British postal strike.

The secretary of the Wellington Chamber of Com merce (Mr G. W. Annand), said the Customs Department had advised that it would do everything it could to assist the flow of goods across the wharf. Established firms would have no problems clearing imports. But some British firms had been unable to establish postal links with Europe to get their mail to New Zealand.

Some New Zealand importers might not be aware of consignments, and the cargo might be stored at their cost on the wharf. Mr Annand said that importers’ representatives would meet the overseas shipping committee on Monday to see if overseas shipping lines could assist by carrying the necessary documents.

Importers in Wellington fear that documents necessary to clear cargo at the port might be delayed if the strike continues. The strike is in its seventeenth day, and mail services have stopped. Representatives of the British Trade Association, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association yesterday discussed the situation with Wellington Harboui Board and Customs Depart ment officials. The first cargo ship likely to be affected is expected in

Wellington on February 15. If importers did not have cer , tain documents the cargo ; would have to be placed in i storage.